Donie Buckley lured back to Kerry

Buckley, above, who worked under former Kerry manager O’Connor, will be part of Keane’s new regimeJAMES CROMBIE/INPHO

Kerry have pulled off a significant coup by enticing Donie Buckley back into their football set-up as part of Peter Keane’s new management team.

Keane was last night ratified as the successor to Éamonn Fitzmaurice and was handed a three-year term. He managed Kerry to the last three All-Ireland minor titles, completing an unprecedented five-in-a-row for the county.

Buckley, one of the most respected coaches in the game, worked with Kerry under former manager Jack O’Connor before teaming up with Mayo and helping them reach three All-Ireland finals.

He was hailed by Mayo’s players for his work on their tackling and defensive play, key areas that Kerry need to improve on. Keane has also confirmed Maurice Fitzgerald, Tommy Griffin and James Foley as selectors.

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